Ten ready to serve up Heston Blumenthal

IT'S been shrouded in secrecy despite endless speculation but Confidential hears Ten's upcoming MasterChef: The Professionals - the latest take on its consistent performer MasterChef - will spearhead its early 2013 schedule as the network looks to stabilise after a rocky 2012.

And spies say the network is close to securing the hosting services of British food maestro Heston Blumenthal who was a standout cameo during the most recent season of MasterChef.

The bald-headed, bespectacled superstar is understood to be the network's first choice for host despite producers chasing several other high-profile candidates including Marco Pierre-White, Gordon Ramsay and Curtis Stone.

Should the Blumenthal deal get over the line, the coup could give Ten a much-needed ratings reprieve come early next year with The Professionals set to open its ratings assault - with the original MasterChef to be bumped back later in the year.

Ten bosses James Warburton and Lachlan Murdoch will officially announce its upcoming 2013 program schedule at Sydney's Westin Hotel on October 23 .

The troubled network, all executives of which remain under a self-imposed media ban until the program launch, will be the first to unveil their early 2013 slate with Seven and Nine to follow in November and December respectively.

But Confidential hears hopes are sky-high for MasterChef: The Professionals which has been a ratings juggernaut in the UK where it is nearing its fifth season.